A file photo of an F-35A dropping a B61 nuclear bomb during trials. NATO is now holding its annual deterrent exercises that will involve the F-35A for the first time. (Sandia National Laboratories)
NATO has begun its annual nuclear exercise for tactical combat aircraft, involving for the first time the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).
Launched on 14 October, Exercise ‘Steadfast Noon' is largely geared towards testing the capabilities and resilience of the alliance-wide nuclear deterrent as carried by the Panavia Tornado, the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, and, as of 2023, the F-35A. Other aircraft types, such as the Boeing B-52H Stratofortress, and other roles, such as aerial refuelling tankers and airborne electronic warfare, are also included.
“More than 60 aircraft [are] taking part in training flights over Western Europe,” NATO said, adding, “'Steadfast Noon' runs for two weeks and involves fighter jets capable of carrying US nuclear warheads, but does not involve any live weapons.”
The exercise involves 2,000 military personnel from 13 NATO allies operating out of airbases across Belgium and the Netherlands. Mission scenarios will be flown across Danish and UK airspace over land and over the North Sea.
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